An Eastbourne law firm has been recognised by Cancer Research UK after facilitating more than £4.2 million worth of gifts from people choosing to leave a legacy to the charity in their will.

Christine Haniver of Cornfield Law LLP was presented with a gold certificate to acknowledge the firm’s ongoing support.

The firm has been offering the free will service to people aged 55 and over in Eastbourne for the past ten years, giving guidance and support for those wishing to write a will or update an existing one.

As part of the service, Cornfield Law LLP gives guidance for those wishing to leave a legacy gift for Cancer Research UK.

More than a third of the charity’s research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer is funded through supporters leaving a legacy to the charity, so money left in wills is vital for Cancer Research UK.

A legacy gift can be anything someone wishes to leave in their will. Traditionally this is money but it could be anything that has a monitory value like an estate or specific item.

Clare Moore, director of legacies at Cancer Research UK, said, “We all reach a stage at some point in our lives where we start to look ahead and consider what will happen to our financial affairs in the future, when we may no longer be around.

“It’s quite astonishing to think that by simply combining enthusiasm with the highest professional standards Cornfield Law LLP has helped secure over £4.2 million worth of legacy gifts, which will go a long way towards helping our scientists, doctors and nurses to beat cancer sooner.”